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sedative
/ˈsɛdəˌtɪv/
drug that calms or relaxes
The doctor prescribed a sedative to help the patient sleep.
The doctor gave the patient a medication to reduce anxiety and promote rest.
Medicine
Medical
A drug that calms or relaxes the nervous system, often used to reduce anxiety or induce sleep.
The patient was given a mild sedative before the surgery to ease their nerves.
A small dose of medication was administered to calm the patient prior to the operation.
Benzodiazepines are a common class of sedatives prescribed for insomnia.
A widely used group of medications that calm the brain and nerves are often used to treat sleep problems.
Sedatives differ from anesthetics in that they do not necessarily cause unconsciousness.
Medicine
formal
Tending to calm or soothe; causing relaxation.
The sedative effects of the medication became apparent within an hour.
The calming impact of the drug was noticeable after about sixty minutes.
Used as an adjective to describe substances or environments that induce calmness.
Collocations
mild sedativea drug with gentle calming effectsprescribe a sedativeto recommend a calming medicationsedative effectthe calming impact of a drug
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with stimulants
Remember that sedatives have the opposite effect of stimulants, which increase alertness. Sedatives slow down the nervous system.
Gold Rule
Medical context only
Sedatives should only be used under medical supervision due to potential side effects like drowsiness, dependence, or respiratory depression.
Word Origin
From Latin *sedativus*, meaning 'calming,' derived from *sedare* 'to settle or calm,' related to *sedes* 'seat' (referring to a settled state).
Usage Notes
Sedatives are often confused with tranquilizers, but tranquilizers specifically reduce anxiety while sedatives induce drowsiness. Always consult a healthcare provider before using sedatives.
Word Breakdown
sed-
to settle or calm
root-ative
indicating a tendency or function
suffixEnglish Dictionary